Norma Simmons

Norma Mae Simmons, 72, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 14, 1933, in Ancell, daughter of George and Mathilda Hess Peetz. She and Merrill Simmons were married Aug. 21, 1954, at Kelso, Mo.

Norma was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. She was formerly active in St. Mary's PTA, Cape Girardeau District Bowling Association, and was a volunteer with the Exchange Club of Cape Girardeau. She was an avid bird watcher many years, and was a dedicated grandmother.

Loving survivors include her husband of 50 years; a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Marlya Simmons of Cape Girardeau; a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Mark Dambach of Jackson; five grandchildren, Travis, Lauren, LaTavish, Makala, and Charleigh; three sisters, Ruby Friedrich of Jackson, Jo Ann Pollock of Belleville, Ill., and Martha Holzum of Columbia, Ill.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Rice officiating. A committal service will follow at 1 p.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to American Cancer Society or the Audubon Society.